This page provides Frequently Asked Questions that define gathers and their role in the NSL community. After the FAQ, rules and expectations are stated, along with solutions and punishments that are relevant to player conduct during gathers.

FAQ

Q: So what are gathers?

A: Gathers are pick-up games where you can sign up to play a competitive 6v6 NS2 game with other players from the league.

Q: Does one need to be good to play in these gathers?

A: Anyone who understands basic English and is willing to listen is welcome to join. Sometimes experienced players can get a bit frustrated with beginners but it’s okay, we've all been through that path before, it’s nothing personal. :-)

Q: Why would I play these games instead of public games?

A: Because these games are much more demanding, and arguably more fun. You can get a taste of what NS2 used to be as a competitive game, pinnacle of FPS games. Nearly all players who play gathers regularly prefer them over public. Gather games tend to be more balanced, too, as captains pick the teams and admins might intervene to avoid boring walkovers.

Q: Why would I not play these games?

A: Possibly either of because of some personalities you'll come across or, you're not interested in playing this game as seriously as some players still do. Depending which kind of team you end up playing with, you'll have to put more or less effort into the game, more likely the former.

Q: What do I need before I join?

A: Teamspeak3 and working copy of NS2. Also you might need some tolerance for extended waiting.

Q: So how do I join?

A: Click here and follow the instructions. It’s important you get yourself to Teamspeak and the game server, we can guide you through the rest of the stuff.

Q: I got banned from the server after I registered, WTF is this?

A: You need to sign up to a gather, and wait until it starts, not join a game in progress. Don't worry, it’s just a temporary ban (if there even was one).

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Breaking rules can be punished with warnings and bans, according to the discretion of gather moderators. In the case that no moderator is present, a timestamped video or screenshot is needed as evidence. Testimony from a majority of present players may be used as evidence.

Font Scheme

Rule

[S]olution

[P]unishment

Before a Gather

1. Play until the end with the Steam ID that appears on your NSL profile.

[P] Not showing up to a gather, and not taking appropriate steps to find a replacement player, can result in a ban from gathers. See the following Rule 2 for further details.

2. If you cannot play, get a substitute, known as a merc, to replace you in the gather.

Be sure to clearly identify the merc will be, such as in the game server, teamspeak, and gather page chat.

[S] Ask all the Gatherplayers to actively help finding a substitute player.

- Incorrect Rates: Plug-in will handle, no enforcement otherwise- Excessive Warping: Referee jurisdiction only- Joining wrong team: Immediate replay if asked by the team within 20 seconds- Blocking weld-able vents: The other team can request suicide of the player(s) involved within a minute, and aliens are disallowed to use the vent or shooting projectiles through. This cannot be enforced afterwards.- Disconnecting from onos belly: the player cannot join until 50s passed since devour, and must leave within 20s if asked, otherwise match forfeit loss. This cannot be enforced afterwards.- Major map bugs: Match forfeit loss.- Cheating: Match forfeit loss and player suspension.